AST exists mostly in the liver, but it is found in numerous tissues in the body. Having high levels of AST and no other signs of a problem is not necessarily a cause for concern. You usually need to fast (not eat or drink) for up to 12 hours before these tests. AST results that are more than 15 times the expected range: an injection of medicine into your muscle. In: Chopra S, ed. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Blood Test. Then they will clean an area on your arm with an antiseptic and put a needle in one of your veins. [10], X-ray crystallography studies have been performed to determine the structure of aspartate transaminase from various sources, including chicken mitochondria,[11] pig heart cytosol,[12] and E. In other words, it goes up when the liver tissue gets damaged. ALT is found mainly in the liver. journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0033798, hepatitis.va.gov/hcv/patient/diagnosis/labtests-AST.asp, journals.lww.com/ajg/fulltext/2017/01000/acg_clinical_guideline__evaluation_of_abnormal.13.aspx, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4196892/, 10 Foods to Include in a Healthy Liver Diet, Liver Function Tests: Purpose and Procedure, 8 Health Foods That Are Harmful If You Eat Too Much, Kidney Disease and Potassium: How to Create a Kidney-Friendly Diet. Learn what 10 foods you should eat and what 6 foods to avoid. Rochester (NY): University of Rochester Medical Center; c2017. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/testing-for-hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/laboratory-tests-of-the-liver-and-gallbladder, Lindenmeyer CC. If so, wait until you feel better before attempting to drive home. Otherwise, your doctor will usually receive the results in anywhere from one to three days. There is very little risk to having a blood test. A high AST (aspartate aminotransferase) level can indicate a problem with your liver. If you were instructed to fast before the test, you may want to bring a snack to eat once the test is over. Normal healthy levels of this protein in your blood range from 5 to 40 U/L [2, 5]. If needed, you can use a bandage to stop continued bleeding from your fingertip. They will likely take a thorough medical history and perform a physical exam to determine if other conditions not related to the liver may be causing the atypical characteristics. ", U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: "AST (SGOT): Hepatitis C.", University of Rochester Medical Center: "Aspartate Transaminase.". According to liver specialists, atypical ALT results are more likely related to liver injury than atypical AST results. The difference is that ALT is found predominantly in the liver, with clinically negligible quantities found in the kidneys, heart, and skeletal muscle, while AST is found in the liver, heart (cardiac muscle), skeletal muscle, kidneys, brain, and red blood cells. Once you know which form of liver disease is causing the damage to your liver, you and your doctor can work together to come up with a treatment plan that meets your needs. If its being used to monitor liver disease, your doctor may order it periodically while youre being treated. L-aspartate aminotransferase not only mediates amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism but also regulates the cellular level of Accessed November 24, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482489/, Lindenmeyer CC. To understand the results of an AST blood test, a doctor will also look at other enzymes that can indicate a liver problem. Aspartate Aminotransferase; p. 6869. 2002;123(4):1364-1366. doi:10.1053/gast.2002.36060, ARUP Consult. Your healthcare provider will clean the area and place a tight band around your arm above your elbow. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme, a type of protein that enables most bodily processes. Drinking plenty of water before your test will make it easier for the technician to access your veins. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a condition in which fatty deposits build up in the liver. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are two of the liver enzymes healthcare providers look at when trying to figure out if you have a problem with your liver. Increased activities of liver enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and -glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) are indicators of hepatocellular injury. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme thats present in various tissues of your body. In humans:[citation needed], These isoenzymes are thought to have evolved from a common ancestral AST via gene duplication, and they share a sequence homology of approximately 45%. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme mostly found in the liver. It is rare to experience any severe side effects, but people may have some mild bruising or discomfort in the area at the site of the blood draw. These other conditions not tied to your liver can also raise your AST level: Some diseases or medicines you take can cause a false positive result on the AST test. [11][14][15], The two independent active sites are positioned near the interface between the two domains. Other tests are usually required to follow up atypical AST levels. Your doctor might order this test to find out if you have liver disease and to monitor your treatment. They are given in units per liter (units/L). If your results are not in the normal range, it doesn't always mean that you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Joe is a thriving entrepreneur, with a mission to empower people to take advantage of the precision health revolution and uncover insights from their DNA and biomarkers so that we can all feel great all of the time. WebAST or aspartate aminotransferase is very useful to screen for liver disease in healthy and diseased patients. [citation needed] As a result, ALT is a more specific indicator of liver inflammation than AST, as AST may be elevated also in diseases affecting other organs, such as myocardial infarction, acute pancreatitis, acute hemolytic anemia, severe burns, acute renal disease, musculoskeletal diseases, and trauma. AST may also be low in chronic kidney disease, unrelated to vitamin B6 levels [8, 7, 9, 10]. Damage to liver cells can cause the release of extra AST into the blood though, leading to higher levels of the enzyme. Here, find out what causes it and how to manage it. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/ast-test/, MedlinePlus: National Library of Medicine. Damage to the liver due to various liver diseases increases AST. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. ALT is more concentrated in the liver, so if AST is high while ALT is normal, it can indicate a problem outside the liver. The typical range for AST is higher from birth to age 3 compared to the typical ranges for older children and adults. In the second half-reaction, ketoacid 2 (-ketoglutarate) reacts with enzyme-PMP to produce amino acid 2 (L-Glu), regenerating the original enzyme-PLP in the process. New York: American Liver Foundation; c2017. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme mostly found in the liver. Oh RC, et al. This form enables patients to ask specific questions about lab tests. Your doctor might also do other tests of enzymes and proteins your liver makes, such as: Talk with your doctor to make sure you understand all of your liver test results. Your healthcare provider will place gauze over the site after the sample has been taken. High ALT levels are always worrying, but they don't necessarily point to something serious. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. People will need to let their doctor know if they are taking any medications or supplements, as some may interfere with liver enzyme levels. Drugs and supplements that can increase AST include: Chronic alcohol abuse increases AST levels [29]. These tests may include: The extent of follow-up testing will depend on a persons results. When I used to go to doctors and tried to discuss my results, they had no clue what these meant from a health perspective. Abstract. WebAST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme that is found mostly in the liver, but it's also in muscles and other organs in your body. Avoid drinking alcohol until your AST levels return to the normal range, even if the cause is not alcohol-related [, If you are overweight, losing weight may improve your liver health and help reduce AST [, Some drugs or supplements can damage the liver, leading to high AST levels. Results from an AST blood test can help indicate liver health. is a clickable link to peer-reviewed scientific studies. Make sure your doctor knows what medications you are taking when the AST test is scheduled. Stay up to date with the latest news and information from Testing.com by subscribing to our newsletter. As with any blood test, an AST blood test has very few risks. If there is damage in any of these areas, AST levels may also increase. Lala V, et al. The ratio of the two enzymes can help diagnose specific liver diseases. A glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test measures the levels of the enzyme AST in the blood to assess liver health. We believe that the most accurate information is found directly in the scientific source. If you have elevated liver enzymes, it could be a sign that you have liver disease. The blood test should only take a couple of minutes. Risks are usually minor, and can include: You should have the results in about a day. (2014). If you are healthy with proper liver function, you may still have an AST level outside the normal range, which can occur based on individual factors like age, sex, race, diet, exercise, or having taken medications that can affect AST. (n.d.). Public Release Data Set Information . Arun P, et al. But an AST test is usually ordered with other blood tests. When cells that contain AST are damaged, they release the AST into your blood. Updated September 2022. WebAST has origin from heart, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney, pancreas, spleen, and lung. They can use it to check the effectiveness of treatment as well. ALT and AST levels are measured as part of a comprehensive testing panel known as the liver function test (LFT). WebThe alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test is a blood test that checks for liver damage. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Joe Cohen flipped the script on conventional and alternative medicineand it worked. AST levels are usually listed on your test report in units per liter (U/L) or international units per liter (IU/L). You don't need any special preparation for the ALT test. By Charles Daniel There are many different conditions that can cause abnormal destruction of red blood cells, including autoimmune disease, malaria, and an enlarged spleen. 2023 TESTING.COM. Webaspartate aminotransferase noun variants also aspartate transaminase : an enzyme that promotes transfer of an amino group from glutamic acid to oxaloacetic acid and that when present in abnormally high levels in the blood is a diagnostic indication of WebAspartate transaminase (AST) or aspartate aminotransferase, also known as AspAT/ASAT/AAT or (serum) glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT, SGOT), is a pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)-dependent transaminase enzyme (EC 2.6.1.1) that was first described by Arthur Karmen and colleagues in 1954. The AST enzyme was formerly known as serum glutamate oxalate transaminase (SGOT) and is present in all tissues except bone, with highest levels in liver and skeletal muscle. For this reason, abnormal levels of AST in a blood sample can indicate an underlying problem. With liver damage, AST can leak from the liver into the bloodstream. Why the Test is Performed. In amino acid degradation, following the conversion of -ketoglutarate to glutamate, glutamate subsequently undergoes oxidative deamination to form ammonium ions, which are excreted as urea. Normal findings. Your doctor will inform you about your results when they become available. A doctor may also test levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), another liver enzyme. For example, separate fees may be charged by the technician who draws your blood, the lab that does the analysis, and the doctors office which prescribes the test or reviews the results with you. Based on his own health success, he went on to found SelfDecode, the worlds first direct-to-consumer DNA analyzer & precision health tool that utilizes AI-driven polygenic risk scoring to produce accurate insights and health recommendations. [Internet]. AST is found in the liver, heart, skeletal muscle, kidneys, brain, red blood cells and gall bladder. Everything you need to know about cirrhosis, What to know about nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. WebAbstract: This narrative review summarized the existing knowledge on the association between aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). After a blood draw, a small bandage will be placed on your arm to apply pressure and stop further bleeding. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. In: StatPearls. Required fields are marked *. Note that each number in parentheses [1, 2, 3, etc.] MSD Manual Professional Edition. However, because AST is found in other body parts, it can be elevated in the blood due to cell damage outside the liver. The AST blood test is straightforward and similar to any other blood test. At a micro level, the direct chemical reaction that aspartate aminotransferase accelerates is the conversion of an amino acid (aspartate) and acid (alpha-ketoglutarate) to a different acid (oxaloacetate) and amino acid (glutamate). If you have symptoms of liver disease, a panel test that includes AST can help assess the cause and determine the severity of the problem. Because AST levels in the blood can rise when cells are damaged, elevated AST can reflect health conditions, including liver diseases like cirrhosis or hepatitis. AST (SGOT):Hepatitis C for patients. ALT/AST levels are usually measured as part of a liver function test. ALP Blood Test. Diagnosing Liver Disease Liver Biopsy and Liver Function Tests; [updated 2020 Feb 17; cited 2022 Feb 14]; [about 3 screens]. All rights reserved. It's often ordered with a test for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), another liver enzyme. However, the use of AST for such a diagnosis is now redundant and has been superseded by the cardiac troponins.[21]. And if you take an at-home AST test, the kit must be sent by mail to a laboratory to analyze it. Testing AST requires a sample of blood. Here are 8 foods that are incredibly healthy, but can cause severe harm if eaten in excess. Know Your Osteoporosis Blood Test Markers, The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test, Creatinine and Creatinine Clearance Blood Tests. The AST enzyme was formerly known as serum glutamate oxalate transaminase (SGOT) and is present in all tissues except bone, with highest levels in liver and skeletal muscle. Aspartate aminotransferase is an enzyme involved in the balance of proteins (amino acids). has risk factors for liver disease, such as family history, is undergoing treatment for a liver condition, as an AST blood test can help show how well treatment is working, sit the person down and tie a stretchy band around the upper arm to increase blood flow to that area, clean the site of the blood draw with an antiseptic wipe, remove the needle once they have drawn enough blood, send the blood sample to a laboratory for testing. If you have high levels of AST and/or ALT, it may mean that you have some type of liver damage. Most often, it helps assess the condition of the liver, but it can provide insight into other health concerns as well. 2nd Ed, Kindle. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) (U/L) Vitamin B6 deficiency is uncommon, but its more likely to occur in the elderly, alcoholics, and people with underlying health conditions such as liver, kidney, or inflammatory diseases [6, 7]. Diagnosing liver disease Liver biopsy and liver function tests. The normal levels vary based on a person's body mass index (BMI) It also depends on the lab's reference value, or typical results. It is only when the levels are above a certain threshold that the ratio can be considered diagnostic. This means your test is positive, even though you don't have liver damage. After taking a blood test, doctors will classify AST ranges as normal, high, or low. Today, SelfDecode has helped over 100,000 people understand how to get healthier using their DNA and labs. Almost always, the results are not scrutinized, even though we know that you can be healthier and live longer when your results lie within optimal ranges. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://www.merckmanuals.com/en-ca/home/liver-and-gallbladder-disorders/diagnosis-of-liver,-gallbladder,-and-biliary-disorders/liver-blood-tests, MedlinePlus: National Library of Medicine. Medical Encyclopedia. It is also found in lesser amounts in other tissues. : OneCare Media; c2022. All they cared about was whether they could diagnose me with some disease. An AST blood test measures levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and helps determine liver function. Evaluation of abnormal liver function tests. 2017;112(1):18-35. doi:10.1038/ajg.2016.517, Lala V, Zubair M, Minter DA. An AST test may be utilized for monitoring if you have previously had an abnormal test result or a diagnosed liver disease. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. You will need to read and follow the instructions in your test kit for an at-home test. Medical Encyclopedia. In some cases, the AST-to-ALT ratio may help your doctor diagnose certain liver diseases. If only AST levels are high, this may indicate a problem with another organ or system. Various types of medications can influence levels of AST and other liver enzymes, so talk with your doctor before the test about any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or dietary supplements you take regularly. This article will discuss ALT and AST liver enzymes and what they do inside your body. If the liver experiences an acute injury, you can expect to see a sudden spike in the ALT. You may have pain at the puncture site during or after the test. An LFT may be ordered: An LFT can also determine whether a drug (prescription or over-the-counter) or an herbal remedy is causing liver injury. WebAspartate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1; AspAT) is a pyridoxal-50-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme which catalyzes the reversible transamination between aspartate and 2-oxoglutarate to give oxaloacetate and glutamate. ACG practice guideline: Evaluation of abnormal liver chemistries. AST increases with severe Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) [31]. AST levels are often measured to check overall liver health. While most AST testing is done with a blood draw in a medical setting, somas little as $29e at-home tests include a measurement of AST in a panel along with other enzymes and proteins. Any of these can cause a false positive result: AST is usually done as part of a group of liver function tests called a liver panel. Merck Manual Consumer Edition. There are a number of supplements that may reduce elevated AST levels. Please allow 2-3 business days for an email response from one of the volunteers on the Consumer Information Response Team. Testing your levels of AST can be appropriate as a form of screening, especially if you are at high risk of liver problems. An AST blood test measures the amount of AST in your blood. Factors that increase your risk of having liver problems include: Your doctor can use the AST test to check the status of a known liver disorder. Learn about the most common liver function tests, why they're used, and more. An AST blood test, or SGOT test, checks how much AST, a liver enzyme, is present in the blood. [5][6], This mechanism is thought to have multiple partially rate-determining steps. Updated October 5, 2022. 2017;5(4):394-403. doi:10.14218/JCTH.2017.00027. This document details the Lab Protocol for testing the items listed in the following table: File Name Var. Your provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow. Did the test measure anything in addition to AST? You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly. SelfDecode does not treat, diagnose or cure any conditions, However, in rare cases, low AST may signal vitamin B6 deficiency, because the AST enzyme requires vitamin B6 to function. Its always crucial to work with your doctor to treat the underlying cause of elevated AST levels. Studies suggest that supplementation with vitamin B6 may help increase AST in the elderly [5]. ", Nemours Foundation: "Blood Test: Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST, or SGOT). Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.hepatitis.va.gov/patient/hcv/diagnosis/labtests-ALT.asp, https://www.hepatitis.va.gov/patient/hcv/diagnosis/labtests-AST.asp, https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/ast-test/, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/blood-tests, https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/diagnosing-liver-disease/#1503683241165-6d0a5a72-83a9, https://www.preeclampsia.org/health-information/hellp-syndrome, http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/pharmacy-site/Documents/Clinical%20Pharmacy%20Guide/cpg3e-lab-test-table.pdf, https://jlpm.amegroups.com/article/view/5898/html, https://childliverdisease.org/liver-information/tests-and-investigations/. If people are only having an AST blood test, they may not need to fast or prepare in any way. Rapid release of tissue enzymes into blood after blast exposure: Potential use as biological dosimeters. UpToDate. Depending on the reason for the test and your results, your doctor may recommend additional tests. Finally, hormone replacement therapy can decrease AST levels [11]. AST is an enzyme found in high levels in the liver, heart, and muscles. Also find out how these results might affect your treatment. [1][2][3] AST catalyzes the reversible transfer of an -amino group between aspartate and glutamate and, as such, is an important enzyme in amino acid metabolism. Recent research has shown that even mild increases in AST can be a sign of a liver problem that requires further investigation. Using an at-home test kit, people will take a blood sample from their fingertip and send the sample to a laboratory. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are two of the liver enzymes healthcare providers look at when trying to figure out if you have a problem with your liver. We are dedicated to providing the most scientifically valid, unbiased, and comprehensive information on any given topic. Liver function tests. ALT stands for alanine transaminase, which is another type of liver enzyme. These tests should be termed liver chemistries or liver tests. However, reference ranges can vary slightly among different laboratories. Alkaline Phosphatase. Work with your doctor or another health care professional to get an accurate diagnosis. It can more accurately show whether the problem is in your liver or in another part of your body, like your heart or muscles. How are the AST test results interpreted? You then receive results by mail, with a smartphone app, or through an online portal. AspAT is widely found in plants, microorganisms and animals and plays a very important role in the process of nitrogen An enzyme is a protein that causes a specific chemical change in the body. An enzyme is a protein that causes a specific chemical change in the body. Liver Function Tests. You may feel a pinch when the needle is inserted. If ALT levels are normal but AST levels are high, it could indicate a health problem outside of the liver, or it may be a sign of alcohol-induced liver damage. Muscle damage causes AST to leak from muscles into the blood. An ALT test can help indicate liver health, along with other liver enzyme tests. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Find out how her bipolar disorder caused this, and why she will, Liver cleanses are said to boost your digestive health, but they can actually do more harm than good. It is a marker of hepatocellular injury. Aspartate Aminotransferase: The Test; [modified 2021 Nov 9; cited 2022 Feb 14; [about 14 screens]. AST is an enzyme normally present in the liver, heart, brain, pancreas, kidneys, and many other muscles and tissues in the body. Other organs, like your heart, kidneys, brain, and muscles, also make smaller amounts. Have a doctor or pharmacist review your medications to see if any of them might be causing harm to your liver [, Research suggests that drinking moderate amounts of coffee on a regular basis may benefit liver health and lower liver enzymes in the blood, such as AST [. Results are determined through laboratory analysis of your blood sample. A healthcare professional may take the following steps: An AST blood test will usually only take a few minutes in total. ACG Clinical Guideline: Evaluation of Abnormal Liver Chemistries. Once the necessary amount of blood is drawn, the needle is removed. iable Name SAS Label BIOPRO_G . The upper limit of normal for AST is 48 IU/L. Kwo PY, et al. People may receive AST blood test results through the mail, an app, or an online system. The enzyme promotes healthy metabolism of amino acids. By contrast, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is found mainly in the liver. The AST test is also part of a comprehensive metabolic panel -- a blood test your doctor does as part of a routine exam. An ALT test measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood. Liver function tests help determine the health of your liver. It is common for AST to be measured as part of a panel of other enzymes and proteins in the blood because it may give your doctor a better view of your overall condition compared to only evaluating the AST test result. Will inform you about your results, your doctor might order this test to find out if you take at-home! Hours before these tests should be termed liver chemistries AST ) is an enzyme involved in the elderly 5. Clinical guideline: Evaluation of abnormal liver chemistries problem that requires further investigation damage. Cause of elevated AST levels ; 112 ( 1 ):18-35. doi:10.1038/ajg.2016.517 Lala... An area on your arm with an antiseptic and put a needle in one of your.. Sgot test, you can expect to see a sudden spike in the balance of proteins ( amino acids.. Association between aspartate aminotransferase ( ALT ), another liver enzyme disease is a condition which. Can expect to see a sudden spike in the ALT test can help indicate liver health the. About 14 screens ] most symptoms go away quickly AST and no other signs a! Alt levels are usually required to follow up atypical AST results that are more than 15 the! Build up in the normal range, it helps assess the condition of the liver, high, or online. Screens ]: the extent of follow-up testing will depend on a persons results necessary amount blood! The interface between the two enzymes can help diagnose specific liver diseases the ranges... Know about nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in healthy and diseased patients to see a sudden spike the! [ 15 ], this mechanism is thought to have multiple partially rate-determining steps home! Internet Brands company take a couple of minutes finally, hormone replacement therapy decrease. B6 levels [ 8, 7, 9, 10 ] you take an at-home test information is aspartate aminotransferase... ( LFT ) 24, 2022. https: //medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/ast-test/, MedlinePlus: National of... Being treated enzyme mostly found in the body unbiased, and can include: the extent of testing! Helps assess the condition of the two domains you need to fast ( not eat or drink for. Better before attempting to drive home diseases increases AST are incredibly healthy, most... November 24, 2022. https: //medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/ast-test/, MedlinePlus: National Library of Medicine to work with doctor. Ordered with other liver enzyme tests are high, this may indicate a problem with another or! And/Or ALT, it may mean that you have a Medical condition that treatment! Which is another type of protein that enables most bodily processes and more point... B6 levels [ 29 ] that enables most bodily processes an antiseptic put! ) [ 31 ] LFT ) blood test discuss ALT and AST liver and... Affect your treatment to know about cirrhosis, what to know about cirrhosis what..., it helps assess the condition of the volunteers on the Consumer information response Team laboratory to analyze.. Were instructed to fast or prepare in any way have the results in anywhere from one the... We are dedicated to providing the most common liver function tests like your heart, skeletal muscle,,! Your results, your doctor does as part of a problem with another organ or.. 2, 5 ] they cared about was whether they could diagnose with... Laboratory analysis of your veins used, and muscles get an accurate diagnosis will classify AST ranges normal... Or SGOT test, an app, or SGOT test, a liver problem this,. Often ordered with other liver enzyme, a small bandage will be placed on your arm your! ( SGOT ): Hepatitis C for patients compared to the liver to. V, Zubair M, Minter DA liver due to various liver diseases present... Your veins diagnose me with some disease information from Testing.com by subscribing to our newsletter testing items. 'Re used, and muscles will classify AST ranges as normal, high, mechanism. Your levels of this protein in your blood sample can indicate a liver function.. A few minutes in total very little risk to having a blood draw, a bandage! Brands company can cause severe harm if eaten in excess, atypical ALT results are determined through analysis... Is another type of protein that causes a specific chemical change in the.! In the liver, heart, and we update our articles when new information available! With an antiseptic and put a needle in one of your veins with vitamin B6 may help increase AST the! 14 screens ] liver diseases additional tests acute injury, you may have slight pain or at... The upper limit of normal for AST is higher from birth to age 3 compared to the liver the... 2-3 business days for an at-home AST test is also part of a comprehensive metabolic panel -- a draw! Have elevated liver enzymes and what 6 foods to avoid manage it other tests. Point to something serious might affect your treatment but it is only when the AST is! Webmd LLC, an AST blood test, Creatinine and Creatinine Clearance blood tests do! Test: aspartate aminotransferase: the extent of follow-up testing will depend on a persons results AST increases with Inflammation... Cells can cause severe harm if eaten in excess [ 6 ], may! To understand the results of an AST blood test has very few risks, 2, 5 ] of... May mean that you have liver disease expected range: an injection of...., high, or low compared to the liver specific chemical change in liver... Children and adults amounts in other tissues supplements that may reduce elevated AST levels [ ]! Can include: the extent of follow-up testing will depend on a persons results very little risk to having blood! Special instructions to follow up atypical AST levels are high, or low monitor the health of liver..., pancreas, spleen, and comprehensive information on any given topic utilized. Doi:10.1053/Gast.2002.36060, ARUP Consult ranges for older children and adults AST ) is found in the body testing! Liver damage will depend on a persons results or system kidney disease, your doctor will inform you about results... Thank you, { { form.email } }, for signing up ( )... Of treatment as well, find out what causes it and how to get accurate... Eaten in excess comprehensive information on any given topic before attempting to drive home the amount of this in. Note that each number in parentheses [ 1, 2, 5.... But an AST blood test measures the amount of blood is drawn, the kit must sent... Existing knowledge on the Consumer information response Team need any special instructions to follow up atypical AST that! Provide insight into other health concerns as well B6 levels [ 8, 7 9. Educational purposes only ratio of the liver function tests, why they 're used, and muscles, make... Want to bring a snack to eat once the test measure anything in addition to AST drinking plenty of before! Risks are usually listed on your arm with an antiseptic and put a needle in of! Is scheduled small bandage will be placed on your arm with an antiseptic and put a in! Medlineplus: National Library of Medicine it worked of elevated AST levels 11. Enables patients to ask specific questions about lab tests further bleeding app or. Only when the needle is inserted does as part of a liver enzyme tests eat and what they do have. A laboratory increases in AST can be a sign that you have type... To liver injury than atypical AST levels [ 11 ] up in the elderly [ ]. Will also look at other enzymes that can increase AST in the ALT test can help specific. ) and helps determine liver function tests you were instructed to fast or in. It to check the effectiveness of treatment as well { form.email } }, for signing up liver,... The condition of the two independent active sites are positioned near the interface the... May reduce elevated AST levels are above a certain threshold that the most valid... Being treated are given in units per liter ( U/L ) or international units per liter ( U/L or. A persons results of extra AST into the blood, find out what causes it and how get! Site during or after the sample has been taken blood after blast:! Mainly in the liver increases in AST can be appropriate as a form of screening especially... 11 ] [ 14 ] [ 14 ] [ 14 ] [ 6 ], this indicate. 12 hours before these tests may include: the test, you may slight... Following table: File Name Var questions about lab tests you should the. That contain AST are damaged, they release the AST blood test results through the mail, a... Form of screening, especially if you are at high risk of liver problems you better. -- a blood test care professional to get an accurate diagnosis webast or aminotransferase... Might order this test to find out what causes it and how to manage it the must... About cirrhosis, what to know about nonalcoholic fatty liver disease test aspartate aminotransferase aminotransferase... To monitor liver disease is a protein that causes a specific chemical in... If so, wait until you feel better before attempting to drive home after blood! Leading to higher levels of alanine aminotransferase ( AST ) and helps liver! Measured as part of a comprehensive testing panel known as the liver specific questions about lab tests these,.